Device and system for dental applications and method relating thereto

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to various devices, systems, kits and methods having dental applications. For instance, a dental tray is provided for use in taking an impression of a person&#39;s teeth. A dental shade chart is also provided and includes a shade sticker for use in determining the shade of a person&#39;s tooth. Further, the dental tray and/or the shade chart can be included in a kit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,389, filed Mar. 7, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/788,723, filed Mar. 7, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,677). The disclosures of both of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and systems for dental applications and methods relating thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices useful in the dental field have been developed in the past. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 305,900, 880,328, 1,464,987, 1,486,039, 1,493,417, 1,608,632, 1,634,717, 2,549,184, 4,227,877, 4,375,965, 4,484,890, 4,530,662, 4,689,010, 4,907,966, 5,336,086, 5,772,432, 6,079,977, 6,213,768 6,302,690, 6,428,315, 6,457,973, 6,629,841, 6,749,428, 7,125,251 and 7,273,371 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0311536 each disclose a device for taking an impression of a patient's teeth. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a dental tray useful in taking an accurate dental impression.

Various devices have also been developed for determining the shade of a person's teeth (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,207,678, 4,810,193, 4,919,617, 4,978,296, 5,261,815, 5,588,834, 5,685,712, 5,692,900, 5,725,372, 6,354,835 and 6,755,646). In another aspect, the present invention relates to a shade chart to aid a user in determining his/her teeth shade. The present invention contemplates various additional features and aspects, which are discussed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a dental tray for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth is provided. More particularly, the dental tray includes a first section having a longitudinal axis and a second section sized and shaped so as to be mounted at least partially within the first section. The first and second sections are sized and shaped so as to define a trough therebetween for receiving an impression-taking material. The second section is adapted to move relative to the first section in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first section. The second section has at least one member movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a dental tray for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth includes a first section having a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped outer wall and a second section having a dome-shaped inner member sized and shaped so as to be mounted at least partially within the U-shaped wall of the first section. The U-shaped wall and the dome-shaped member are sized and shaped so as to define a trough therebetween for receiving an impression-taking material. The second section is movable relative to the first section in a first direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first section. The dome-shaped member has first and second movable members movably attached to the second section. Each of the first and second movable members is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction.

Another embodiment of the present invention involves providing a dental tray for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth. More particularly, the tray includes a first section having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends spaced apart from one another in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first section. The tray also includes second section sized and shaped so as to be mounted at least partially within the first section. The first and second sections are sized and shaped so as to define a trough therebetween for receiving an impression-taking material therein. The second section is adapted for movement relative to the first section in the first direction and has first and second movable members, each of which is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a dental tray for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth. The dental tray includes a first section having a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped outer wall and including first and second ends spaced apart from one another in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first section. The dental tray also includes a second section having a dome-shaped inner member sized and shaped so as to be mounted at least partially within the U-shaped wall of the first section. The U-shaped wall and the dome-shaped member are sized and shaped so as to define a trough therebetween for receiving an impression-taking material therein. The second section is movable relative to the first section in the first direction. The dome-shaped member has first and second movable members, each of which is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for taking an impression of a person's teeth with the use of a dental tray is provided. More particularly, the dental tray includes a first section and a second section. The second section is mounted at least partially within the first section so as to define a trough therebetween and is movable relative to the first section in a first direction which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first section. The second section has at least one member movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction. The method includes the steps of placing an impression-taking material in the trough of the tray and inserting the tray into a mouth of the person. The method also includes the steps of moving the tray such that the teeth are inserted into the impression material placed in the trough and moving the second section in the first direction so as to cause the at least one member to move in the second direction.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a method for taking an impression of a person's teeth with the use of a dental tray having a first section and a second section. The first section has a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped outer wall, while the second section has a dome-shaped inner member mounted at least partially within the U-shaped wall of the first section so as to define a trough therebetween. The second section is movable relative to the first section in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first section. The dome-shaped member has first and second movable members, each of which is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the second section in the first direction. The method includes the steps of: placing an impression-taking material in the trough of the tray; inserting the tray into a mouth of the person; moving the tray such that the teeth are inserted into the impression material placed in the trough; and moving the second section in the first direction so as to cause the first and second movable members to move in the second direction.

Yet another embodiment involves providing a device for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth, which has a front surface. More particularly, the device includes at least one sticker having a predetermined shade. The at least one sticker has a size smaller than the tooth and configured so as to be removably attached to the front surface of the tooth such that the at least one sticker can be superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a kit includes a device for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth having a front surface. The device is provided with at least one sticker having a predetermined shade. The at least one sticker has a size smaller than the tooth and configured so as to be removably attached to the front surface of the tooth such that the at least one sticker can be superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth. The kit may also include a dental tray for taking an impression of a person's teeth or a dental whitening kit having at least one of a whitening gel or strip.

Another embodiment relates to a method for determining the shade of a person's tooth using a sticker having a size smaller than a size of the tooth and having a predetermined shade and a surface. The method includes the steps of removably attaching the sticker to a front surface of the tooth such that the sticker is superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth; and comparing the shade of the tooth to the shade of the sticker so as to determine the shade of the tooth. The method further includes the step of applying a liquid substance having an adhesive property to at least one of the surface of the sticker and the front surface of the sticker prior to the performance of the attaching step so as to removably attach the sticker the front surface of the tooth. In accordance with one embodiment, the liquid substance includes the person's saliva. In accordance with a further embodiment, the applying step includes the step of licking at least one of the surface of the sticker and the front surface of the tooth such that the sticker is removably attached to the front surface of the tooth by the adhesive property of the saliva. According to yet another embodiment, the comparing step includes the steps of taking a photograph of the tooth with the sticker attached thereto, transmitting the photograph to a processor, and comparing the shade of the tooth to the shade of the sticker, the shade of the sticker being used as a reference shade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dental tray constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, upper perspective view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an inner member of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective, partially broken away views of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1, illustrating its operation;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a shade chart constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the shade chart shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of one of a plurality of shade stickers provided on the shade chart of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a view of a reverse side of the shade chart of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a person's teeth and one of the shade stickers shown in FIGS. 1-9; and

FIG. 12 is a view of a kit constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view of a kit constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for determining the shade of a person's teeth;

FIG. 15 is a view of a modified version of the shade chart shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a person's teeth and one of a plurality of shade stickers of the shade chart shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, various devices, systems, kits and/or methods are provided for use in dental applications. These devices, systems, kits and methods are discussed below.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a dental tray assembly 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the dental tray assembly 10, which is adapted for use in taking an impression of upper teeth of a person or a patient, has a longitudinal axis A and includes an outer tray member (i.e., section) 12 and an inner tray member (i.e., section) 14 movably mounted on the outer member 12. The construction of the inner and outer members 12, 14 will be discussed in greater detail below.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer member 12 includes a tray 16 and a handle 18 extending from the tray 16. More particularly, the tray 16 is provided with a base plate 20, which extends generally in a horizontal manner, and a generally U-shaped outer wall 22, which projects generally vertically from the base plate 20. The tray 16 has an open rear end 24 and a front end 26, which is enclosed by the outer wall 22. Lip support members 28 extend from the outer wall 22 at the front end 26 of the tray 16 for supporting a patient's upper lip when the tray assembly 10 is inserted into the patient's mouth. A notch 30 is provided between the lip support members 28 and extends partially into the outer wall 22 at the front end 26.

Now referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the base plate 20 of the tray 16 includes an upper side 32 and a lower side 34. A recessed area 36 is provided generally centrally in the base plate 20. The recessed area 36 has a slightly lower elevation compared to the rest of the upper side 32 of the base plate 20 such that an edge 38 is formed on the upper side 32 defining the recessed area 36. A ramp 40 projects upwardly from the base plate 20 and has a pair of generally curved guide wall portions 42 a, 42 b on opposite sides thereof. An opening 44 is formed in the base plate 20 adjacent the front end 26 of the tray 16 for purposes to be discussed below. A track 46 is provided in the handle 18 and is defined by a pair of axially extending support walls 48 (see FIG. 3).

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the inner member 14 includes a compression section 50 and a handle 52 extending from the compression section 50 and having a tab 54 at an end thereof. More particularly, the compression section 50 is generally dome-shaped and includes a plurality of compression members 56 a, 56 b connected to the handle 52 via hinges 58 a, 58 b (e.g., living hinges), respectively, such that they are laterally pivotable toward or away from each other. More particularly, the compression member 56 a is an element that is separate and independent from the compression member 56 b. The compression members 56 a, 56 b have curved, half-dome-shaped walls 60 a, 60 b, respectively, and curved guides 62 a, 62 b, respectively. The guides 62 a, 62 b depend from the walls 60 a, 60 b, respectively, and are sized and shaped so as to engage the curved wall portions 42 a, 42 b, respectively, of the outer member 12 (see FIG. 6) for purposes to be discussed hereinbelow.

Notches 68 a, 68 b (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are formed in inner sides of the compression members 56 a, 56 b, respectively, cooperating to define an opening 70 in the compression section 50. The opening 70 communicates with a cavity 72 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) formed within the compression section 50 for purposes to be discussed hereinbelow.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner member 14 is assembled with the outer member 12 by inserting the handle 52 of the inner member 14 through the opening 44 in the outer member 12. More particularly, the handle 52 of the inner member 14 is placed in the track 46 formed in the handle 18 of the outer member 12, while the compression section 50 of the inner member 14 is positioned on the recessed area 36 of the outer section 12 such that it covers the ramp 40. In this manner, a generally U-shaped trough 74 is formed between the outer wall 22 of the outer member 12 and the compression section 50 of the inner member 14 for receiving a conventional impression taking material.

When the compression section 50 is properly assembly with the tray 16 (see FIG. 1), the compression section 50 is movable relative to the tray 16 in an axial direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A (as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 5) between its rest position (see FIG. 5) and its retracted position (see FIG. 6). More particularly, in the rest position of the compression section 50, the compression members 56 a, 56 b are in their respective retracted positions such that they are placed in an abutting fashion with respect to one another (see FIG. 5). In the retracted position of the compression section 50, the compression members 56 a, 56 b move to their respective expanded positions, in which they are positioned away from each other in a lateral direction (as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 5). When the compression section 50 is in its rest position, spaces 76 a, 76 b (see FIGS. 1 and 5) are formed between the compression member 56 a and the edge 38 and between the compression member 56 b and the edge 38, respectively, so as to allow the compression members 56 a, 56 b to move from their respective retracted positions to their respective expanded positions.

In use, an impression material (not shown) is placed in the U-shaped trough 74 formed between the tray 16 and compression section 50. The compression material can be any conventional compression material. With the handle 18 gripped by a user (e.g., a dentist), the tray 16 and the compression section 50, as assembled, are inserted into the patient's mouth. Thereafter, the tray 16 is moved upwardly toward the pallet of the patient, causing the teeth of the patient to be pressed into the impression material in the trough 74. As the teeth are pressed into the impression material, an excess amount of the impression material flow out of the trough 74. The cavity 72 is adapted to receive an overflow of the impression material through the opening 70 of the compression section 50.

Once the tray assembly 10 is properly positioned in relation to the teeth, the tab 54 of the handle 58 of the inner member 14 is pulled forward in the axial direction (as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 5) such that the compression section 50 moves axially toward the front end 26 of the tray 16 (i.e., to its retracted position). As the compression section 50 moves in the forward axial direction, the guides 62 a, 62 b of the compression section 50 engage the curved wall portions 42 a, 42 b, respectively, of the ramp 40, causing the compression members 56 a, 56 b to move in the lateral direction away from each other (i.e., to their respective expanded positions), as indicated by arrows D and E, respectively, in FIG. 6. As the compression members 56 a, 56 b expand laterally, they press against the impression material so as to ensure that the impression material is properly applied against the teeth of the patient. In this regard, the edge 38 of the tray 16 is adapted to engage the compression members 56 a, 56 b so as to inhibit or prevent them from expanding beyond a predetermined extent (see FIG. 6). With the compression members 56 a, 56 b positioned in their expanded positions, the dental tray assembly 10 is held in place until the impression material cures. Thereafter, the tray assembly 10 is removed from the patient's mouth, and the impression material is removed from the tray assembly 10.

It should be appreciated that the tray assembly 10 of the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art discussed above. For instance, the compression members 56 a, 56 b are adapted to apply additional pressure against an impression material such that the impression material is properly pressed against teeth. As a result, an accurate impression of the teeth can be taken with the use of the tray assembly 10. Moreover, because the handle 52 of the inner tray member 14 is provided in the track 46 of the outer tray member 12, the axial movement of the compression section 50 can be effected with the use of one hand (e.g., with the handle 18 gripped by a person's hand, the tab 54 can be pulled with the index finger of that hand).

It should also be noted that the tray assembly 10 of the present invention can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, while the tray assembly 10 is adapted for use in taking an impression of upper teeth, it can be modified for use in conjunction with lower teeth. Moreover, the compression section 50 can be modified to have a different shape.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a teeth shade chart or guide 80 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the chart 80 is adapted for use in determining the shade and/or color (collectively, “shade”) of a person's tooth or teeth 82 (see FIG. 11). The chart 80 includes a substrate or carrier 84, which is made from any suitable material, such as plastic, paper, metal, etc. The substrate 84 may be flexible or substantially rigid. In one embodiment, the substrate 84 is in the form of a sheet (see FIG. 8).

Peel-off shade stickers or chips 86 a-86 e are removably attached to the substrate 84 of the chart 80. In one embodiment, the stickers 86 a-86 e have tooth shades that are common in typical people. For instance, the stickers 86 a-86 e are provided with shades corresponding to shade codes A1, A2, A3, A3.5 and A4, respectively, of the shade guide sold under the trademark VITA. Shade codes corresponding to the shades of the stickers 86 a-86 e are indicated on the substrate 84 therebelow. The chart 80 can be provided with one or more peel-off stickers having additional shades that are common in people. In one embodiment, the stickers 86 a-86 e are arranged linearly in a horizontal row. The stickers 86 a-86 e are adapted for use by an individual for determining the existing shade of the individual's tooth or teeth, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

Peel-off shade stickers or chips 88 a-88 e (see FIG. 7) are also removably attached to the substrate 82 of the chart 80. In one embodiment, the stickers 88 a-88 e have tooth shades that are brighter or whiter than those of the stickers 86 a-86 e (i.e., shades that are brighter or whiter than those that are common in people). For instance, the stickers 88 a-88 e can be provided with shades A0, A −1, A −2, A −3 and A −4, respectively, of the shade guide sold under the trademark VITA. The chart 80 can be provided with one or more peel-off stickers having additional brighter or whiter shades. Shade codes corresponding to the shades of the stickers 88 a-88 e are indicated on the substrate 84 therebelow. In one embodiment, the stickers 88 a-88 e are arranged linearly on the substrate in a horizontal row below the stickers 86 a-86 e. The stickers 88 a-88 e are adapted for use by an individual for selecting the tooth shade that he/she wishes to achieve by way of a tooth whitening tool or procedure and/or for determining whether he/she has achieved a selected tooth shade.

Referring to FIG. 9, each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e includes a front surface 90 and a rear surface 92. The front and rear surfaces 90, 92 of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e are substantially smooth (i.e., planar). In one embodiment, the rear surface 92 of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e is not applied with any adhesive material. In such circumstances, the substrate 84 is provided with a layer of adhesive material such that the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e can be removably attached thereto. In another embodiment, the rear surface 92 of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e includes a layer of adhesive material for removably attaching the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e on the substrate 84. Laminates or films 94, 96 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) can be optionally provided on the substrate 84 so that the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e, respectively, can be removably attached thereto so as to facilitate their removal from the substrate 84.

Referring to FIG. 9, each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e is provided with a substantially planar or sheet-like construction. In one embodiment, each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e is provided with a thickness in the range of from about 0.005 mm to about 0.5 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm.

In one embodiment, each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e is provided with a translucency that is similar to the translucency of the enamel layer of a typical person's tooth. For instance, the translucency of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e may be within the range of from about 50% to about 95%. Alternatively, the translucency of each of the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e may range from about 65% to about 85%.

With reference to FIG. 10, instructions 98 for using the chart 80 are provided on a reverse side 100 of the chart 80 opposite the side to which the stickers 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e are attached. Additional instructions 102 and information 104 are provided on the side 100 of the chart 80 for purposes to be discussed below.

In use, one of the stickers 86 a-86 e is selectively removed from the substrate 84 by a user. The removed sticker (e.g., the sticker 86 c) is then applied directly to a selected one of the user's teeth 82 (e.g., one of the two maxillary central incisors) such that the sticker 86 c temporally sticks and lays flat against the surface of the selected tooth 82 (see FIG. 11). As discussed above, the rear surface 92 of the sticker 86 c may be provided with an adhesive material so as to facilitate the adhesion of the sticker 86 c to the tooth 82. Alternatively, the rear surface 92 of the removed sticker 86 c and/or the surface of the selected tooth 82 may be applied with the user's saliva or other liquid substances (e.g., the user licks the rear surface 92 of the removed sticker 86 c and/or the surface of the selected tooth 82 with his or her tongue) such that the sticker 86 c can be removably and temporarily attached to the selected tooth 84 by the adhesive property of the saliva.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the sticker 86 c is applied to the tooth 82 such that the sticker 86 c is positioned substantially at the center of the tooth 82. That is, the sticker 86 c is superimposed directly on the tooth 82 such that all sides of the sticker 86 a are surrounded by the surface of the tooth 82. As a result, the shade of the tooth 82 can be compared easily to the shade of the sticker 86 c. Moreover, the adhesive material on the sticker 86 c and/or the saliva applied thereto create a continuous connection or contact substantially throughout the interface between the tooth 82 and the sticker 86 c. This connection or contact functions to blend the translucency of the sticker 86 c with the translucency of the enamel layer of the tooth 82. The blended translucency of the sticker 86 c and the tooth 82 mimics the translucency of an actual tooth enamel layer so as to allow a realistic and accurate shade matching between the sticker 86 c and the tooth 82.

If the shade of the sticker 86 c does not match with the shade of the tooth 82, the sticker 86 c is removed and placed on a suitable place (e.g., back on the substrate 84). Another sticker (i.e., one of the stickers 86 a, 86 b, 86 d and 86 e remaining on the substrate 84) is removed from the substrate 84 and applied to the tooth 82 in the manner discussed above. For instance, if the shade of the initially selected sticker 86 c is lighter than the shade of the tooth 82, then a darker-shaded sticker (e.g., one of the stickers 86 d, 86 e) is selected and applied to the tooth 82. This process is repeated until the user locates a matching one of the stickers 86 a-86 e, thereby allowing the user to determine the shade of his/her teeth.

With reference to FIG. 12, a kit 106 is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the kit 106 includes the chart 80 and the dental tray assembly 10 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6. The kit 106 can be provided directly to an end user, rather than a dental professional (e.g., a dentist), such that it can be used by the user in ordering one or more custom-made dental products directly from a dental laboratory without visiting or otherwise involving any dentist. The dental products include, without limitation, flippers (e.g., custom tooth inserts), sports mouthguards, dental night guards, custom whitening trays, novelty costume teeth (e.g., “Dracula” teeth, etc.), custom trays for providing a temporary preview of a person's teeth as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/285,315 filed Oct. 31, 2011 (published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0108989 A1), orthodontic trays (e.g., those sold under the trademark INVISALIGN), orthodontic retainers, etc. The dental tray assembly 10 may be replaced with any conventional dental tray for taking an impression of the user's teeth.

In use, once the user determines the shade of his/her teeth using the chart 80 as discussed above, the dental tray assembly 10 is used by the user to take a dental impression of his/her teeth in the manner described above in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. After the dental impression has been taken, it is sent to a dental laboratory via mail or another delivery method (e.g., via messenger) together with the shade information or code of the matching sticker (i.e., one of the stickers 86 a-86 e) and the identification of the dental product or products that he/she wishes to order. Using the dental impression and the shade code provided by the user, the ordered dental products are custom-made by the dental laboratory for the user. Once the dental products are completed, they are sent to the user via mail or another delivery method.

Referring to FIG. 13, one embodiment of the present invention involves providing a dental whitening kit 108 including the chart 80. The kit 108, which may be provided directly to an end user, includes one or more conventional whitening kit components, such as a whitening strips 110, whitening gel 112, a mouth tray 114 for receiving the whitening gel therein for application to a person's teeth, an applicator 116 for applying the whitening gel (optionally preloaded with the whitening gel 112), an after-whitening remineralization gel 118 to reduce tooth sensitivity, and/or an applicator 120 for applying the remineralization gel, etc., all of which are illustrated schematically in FIG. 13.

The whitening components of the kit 108 are used in a conventional manner to whitening a user's teeth. Prior to the initiation of a whitening process, the user determines the original shade of his/her teeth (hereinafter “original tooth shade”) by matching same with one of the stickers 86 a-86 e. In this regard, the chart 80 may be provided with a space on which the user can record the code corresponding to the original tooth shade. After the completion of the whitening process, the user determines which of the stickers 86 a-86 e matches with the shade of his/her whitened teeth (referred to hereinafter as “the whitened shade”). If the user's teeth have been whitened beyond the shades of the stickers 86 a-86 e, the user may use the stickers 88 a-88 e, which have lighter or whiter shades than those of the stickers 86 a-86 e. The stickers 88 a-88 e are used in a method identical to the method discussed above in conjunction with the stickers 86 a-86 e. By comparing the sticker 86 a-86 e, 88 a-88 e matching with the whitened shade to the sticker corresponding to the original tooth shade, the user can determine the effectiveness of the whitening process (e.g., the degree by which his/her teeth have been whitened).

In accordance with one embodiment, the kit 108 may also include the dental tray assembly 10 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. By including the dental tray assembly 10 in the kit 108, the user may take an impression of his or her dental tray prior to the initiation of the whitening process and send the dental impression to a dental laboratory such that a custom-fit mouth tray may be made for him/her for the application of the whitening gel to his/her teeth. In such circumstances, the mouth tray 114 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be omitted from the kit 108.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, another method is provided for determining the shade of a person's teeth. One of the stickers 86 a-86 e (e.g., the sticker 86 b) is removed from the chart 80 and is applied to one of the person's teeth, as described above. An analog or digital photograph P (see FIG. 14) of the person's teeth and the sticker 86 b attached thereto is taken with a camera. The photograph P is then used for determining the shade of the teeth by using the shade of the sticker 86 b as a reference shade. In one embodiment, the photograph P is transmitted to a computerized processor 122 (e.g., a remotely located central server equipped with a microprocessor) together with the shade code of the selected sticker 86 b. The photograph P and the shade code can be sent to the processor 122 in any conventional manner, such as via data uploading website, email, text message, etc. For instance, when the photograph P is taken with the use of a digital camera included in a portable communication device 124 (see FIG. 14), such as a smart phone, the photograph P and the shade code of the sticker 86 b can be sent directly from the portable communication device to the processor 122 via a conventional network 126 (e.g., the Internet or a mobile communication network). Alternatively, the communication device 124 can be a separate component from the digital camera, being adapted to receive the photograph P for transmission to the processor 122. The instructions 102 and information 104 are included on the side 100 of the chart 80 for providing instructions and information for the transmission of the photograph P and the shade code (e.g., a website address for directly uploading materials to the processor 122, an email addresses for sending materials to the processor 122, etc.).

Once the processor 122 receives the photograph P and the shade code of the sticker 86 b, it uses the shade of the sticker 86 b as a reference shade to determine the shade of the teeth. More particularly, the processor 122 compares the shade of the teeth in the photograph P to the shade of the sticker 86 b. Since the processor 122 is provided with the shade code of the sticker 86 b (i.e., shade code A2), it is able to determine the shade code corresponding to the teeth. The shade code of the teeth as determined by the processor 122 is then transmitted to the user (e.g., to the communication device 124) in a conventional manner.

As discussed above, the processor 122 is adapted to determine the shade of the teeth by comparing the shade of the teeth in the photograph P to the shade of the sticker 86 b, the shade code of which is provided to the processor 122. In such circumstances, the chart 80 may contain a single shade sticker for use in conjunction with this process.

In one embodiment, a computer application or program for determining the shade of the teeth from the photograph P can be stored locally on the communication device. In this manner, the photograph P and the shade code of the sticker 86 b need not be transmitted to the processor 122.

FIG. 15 illustrates a shade chart 80′, which is a modified version of the shade chart 80 illustrated in FIG. 7. The shade chart 80′ of FIG. 15 is constructed, assembled and used in the same basic manner as the shade chart 80 of FIG. 7, except as discussed below. The shade chart 80′ includes a plurality of shade stickers 86 a′-86 e′ and a plurality of shade stickers 88 a′-88 e′. Each of the stickers 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ includes a handle 128 so as to facilitate the handling of a corresponding one of the stickers 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ by a user. The handle 128 of each sticker 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ includes a stem 130 connected (integrally or otherwise) to a corresponding one of the stickers 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ and a base 132 connected thereto. The base of each sticker 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ has a sufficient size such that it can be gripped by a user for handling purposes and/or such that a corresponding shade code can be indicated thereon. The handles 128 can be attached to a substrate 84′ of the chart 80′ in the same manner as the stickers 86 a-86 e and the stickers 88 a-88 e of the chart 80 shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the handles 128 may be loose from (i.e., not attached to) the substrate 84′ so as to facilitate the removal of their corresponding stickers 86 a′-86 e′ and the stickers 88 a′-88 e′ from the substrate 84′. FIG. 16 illustrates one of the stickers 86 a′-86 e′, 88 a′-88 e′ removably applied to one of a person's teeth 82.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A device for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth, which has a front surface, said device comprising a substrate; and a plurality of discrete stickers, each of which is removably placed on said substrate; each of said stickers having a single predetermined shade, which is different from the shade of each other one of said stickers, each of said stickers having a size smaller than the tooth and configured so as to be removably attached to the front surface of the tooth such that a selected one of said stickers can be superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of stickers is adapted to be peeled off said substrate.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of stickers has a substantially planar construction.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of stickers has a thickness within the range of from about 0.005 mm to about 0.5 mm.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of stickers has a translucency that is comparable to a translucency of an enamel layer of a conventional tooth.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein each of said translucencies of said plurality of stickers is within a range of from about 50% to about 95%.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of stickers is sized and shaped so as to be removably attached to the front surface of the tooth such that each of said plurality of stickers can be superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of stickers includes a handle so as to facilitate the handling of said plurality of stickers.
 9. A method for determining the shade of a person's tooth using a shade sticker having a size smaller than a size of the tooth and having a predetermined shade and a surface, said method comprising the steps of removably attaching the sticker to a front surface of the tooth such that the sticker is superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth; and comparing the shade of the tooth to the shade of the sticker attached thereto so as to determine the shade of the tooth.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of applying a liquid substance having an adhesive property to at least one of the surface of the sticker and the front surface of the sticker prior to the performance of said attaching step so as to removably attach the sticker the front surface of the tooth.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid substance includes the person's saliva, said applying step includes the step of licking at least one of the surface of the sticker and the front surface of the tooth such that the sticker is removably attached to the front surface of the tooth by the adhesive property of the saliva.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of removing the sticker from the tooth if the shade of the sticker does not match with the shade of the tooth; applying another shade sticker to the front surface of the tooth, the another sticker having a predetermined shade, which is different from the shade of the sticker, and a size, which is smaller than the size of the tooth such that the another sticker is superimposed directly on the front surface of the tooth; and comparing the shade of the tooth to the shade of the another sticker attached thereto so as to determine the shade of the tooth.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of ordering a dental product having a shade that corresponds to the shade of the sticker if the shade of the sticker matches with the shade of the tooth.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the dental product includes at least one of a flipper, a sports mouthguard, a dental night guard, a whitening tray, a novelty costume tooth, a tray for providing a temporary preview of a person's teeth, an orthodontic tray and an orthodontic retainer.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of whitening the teeth, said attaching step being performed prior to or subsequent to the performance of said whitening step.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein said comparing step includes the steps of taking a photograph of the tooth with the sticker attached thereto; transmitting the photograph to a computerized processor; and comparing the shade of the tooth to the shade of the sticker, the shade of the sticker being used as a reference shade. 